TORONTO—Exhaust from diesel engines is now officially considered a cause of cancer in humans.

The Toronto-based Workers Health and Safety Centre (WHSC) issued a bulletin today saying “compelling evidence” has been found by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) that diesel exhaust exposure causes lung cancer and increases the risk of the development of bladder cancer. The IARC published its findings last June.

“The main studies that led to this conclusion were in highly exposed workers,” said Dr. Kurt Straif back in June when the IARC released its findings.

“However we have learned form other carcinogens, such as radon, that initial studies showing a risk in heavily exposed occupational groups were followed by positive findings for the general population. Therefore actions to reduce exposures should encompass workers and the general population.”

In Canada, about 804,000 workers face exposure to diesel exhaust at work each year, according to Carex Canada, an agency that monitors carcinogens.

Canadianmanufacturing.com is the top source of daily industry-focused news in Canada. We cover the world for stories that impact your business each day with news, in-depth articles and expert commentary.

Cleantech Canada delivers the latest news and insight on the global green economy. Our award-winning editors and expert contributors connect businesses and entrepreneurs with information on cleantech financing, market development and growth strategies.

Find it on Frasers, your home for sourcing industrial suppliers of manufactured products, MRO equipment and components, and so much more.